Last-minute shopping ideas abound in downtown Mobile

Shar Begnaud is the owner of Papillon, an eclectic antiques store that's a lot of fun to explore. (Press-Register file)

MOBILE, Alabama -- If you’ve got some hard-to-buy-for loved ones on your list – and who doesn’t? – it’s time to think outside of the box. In these last few shopping days, consider browsing Mobile’s downtown stores.

Covered, which is right off of Bienville Square, offers elegant clothing, jewelry and accessories, including several luscious-looking wraps that should be perfect for Mardi Gras. If it feels cosy and homey, that’s because it is: the boutique is a converted condominium.

Urban Emporium, featuring 12 vendors in its large space, has the distinction of being able to offer something for everyone, including the family pet (really, who can resist “Dirty and Hairy” pet conditioner?). Here, shoppers can find Auburn and Alabama iPhone covers; “redneck wine glasses,” or Mason jars on stems; BayBears and Jaguars spirit items; Stonewall kitchenware; Earthchic tote bags made from recycled plastic bottles; and hats, clothing and jewelry.

Urban Emporium is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays. The business has seen increased business on Sunday afternoons from the brunch crowd, said manager Michael Pittillo. “We’re a well-rounded store,” he said, adding that they’re always looking for more entrepreneurs whose ultimate goal is to open a store downtown.

If you’re not pressed for time, Papillon at the corner of Conti and Joachim streets is probably one of the most fun shops to browse. A quick look-see during the LoDa Artwalk led to these discoveries: glass door knobs; hurricane lamps; license plates; stage lights salvaged from the Saenger; Popular Science magazines from the 1960s; 1950s comic books; vintage china; and, of all things, a 1969 Vespa 150 motor scooter. (Be forewarned: if you’ve got a heavy, swinging purse, keep it under control before you venture down the aisles, lest you inadvertently clear some shelves.)

You're certain to find the perfect gift for your favorite Kindle holdout at Bienville Books, 109 Dauphin St., just down from Bienville Square. It stocks plenty of new and vintage volumes, along with numerous offerings from local authors, and is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

And if you’re looking for edible treats for stocking stuffers, you can’t beat the candies and confections at Three George’s candy shop and the A&M Peanut Shop, both on Dauphin. Three George’s is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Saturday; the A&M’s hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., also Monday to Saturday.